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so i took off a month from the gym (no particular reason, just got busy- wish i didn't). anyway, i've definitely noticed a drop in muscle definition / size. so here's my q: i'm getting back into it tonight.. .do i try to pick up where i left off (same weights) and do less reps/sets? or is it better to start at a considerably lower weight and maintain the same # of sets/reps i was doing at a higher weight?

Do a tad bit lighter weight. You don't want to jump into lifting something you lifted before b/c you're obviously not as strong and you could potentially hurt yourself bad if you attempt too heavy of a weight. Don't worry, you'll gain the strength back quick

Yeah, I would start lower and work your way back up. I've done this before as well...I stopped training for almost 2 months, then started up again with lower weights, and worked my way back up. In about a week or two I was lifting the same as I did before.

what i do is less reps more weight if i am trying to bulk and lighter weights with more reps when cutting. since you have had some time off make sure you stretch more than normal and really focus on your form and not cheat to try and lift the weight you were doing before your break. its easy to cheat on your form trying to throw more weight up because you get pissed at yourself for slacking and struggling with lighter weight, but an injury isn't worth it. if i ever miss, which doesnt happen that much anymore i try to do light cardio at first, like 10 minutes worth to get the blood flowing then stretch before and after each set or do a light weight warm up set before the actual set to get the range of motion. might be overkill but i dont want to throw an injury from bad form